Project Based Learning

At West Side, we go “Beyond the Basics,” providing students with many opportunities to learn by doing through participation in programs such as the Living History and Environmental Learning Programs (ELP). These programs use an interdisciplinary approach to environmental education, with an emphasis on outdoor, experiential learning. Through innovative learning episodes and on-going projects which complement classroom instruction, these programs:

Increase the overall ecological literacy of students

Foster a sense of wonder, responsibility, and stewardship for ecological systems and our natural world, with attention to the places where we live

Stimulate awareness, expand knowledge, and develop skills and attitudes necessary to make sound decisions about environmental issues in our communities and our lifestyles

Our students in third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade have an opportunity each year to participate in a living history project or environmental learning program tied to their science and history/social science content standards. Third graders attend a two-day environmental education program nearby at The Bishop’s Ranch. Fourth graders study early California history through participation in the Fort Ross State Park program. Fifth graders deepen their studies of American history through participation in the San Francisco Maritime National Park’s Balclutha program. A week long stay at the Yosemite Institute provides our sixth graders with a rare opportunity to investigate forest ecology and Miwok Indian culture, and study evidence of glaciers and observation of geologic formations.